What is a Whiskey Decanter?
A whiskey decanter is a vessel, usually made of glass, that is meant to hold and display whiskey. Often sold in a set with matching glasses, a decanter will be left out for easy access, and as a sort of display piece in the home or office.
Is a Whiskey Decanter Like a Wine Decanter?
A whiskey decanter is akin to a wine decanter only in the fact that it is a vessel usually made of glass that the alcohol is poured into before being poured into the glass. That is pretty much where the similarities end.
A wine decanter is used to remove sediment from older wines and to aerate younger ones. Because aeration is the act of exposing the wine to the air, a wine decanter usually has a very wide base that increases the surface area of the wine. They may also come in very elaborate shapes and designs.
Most wine decanters also lack a lid or stopper. That is because wine isn’t traditionally stored and left out to be displayed in the decanter. Instead, traditionally the wine is poured into the decanter at the beginning of the party or event, the wine is separated from the sediment and aerated when doing so, and then is consumed in its entirety before the night is over.
Wine decanters are also pretty universal. Any wine can be poured into any decanter, but because wine usually has a specific shape of wine glass that it goes best with, most wine decanters and glasses are not sold as a set.
A whiskey decanter is different because whiskey does not have sediment or need to be aerated to properly mature like a wine. So it won’t have an exceptionally wide base to increase surface area, and they don’t often have elaborate designs meant to churn the whiskey so that it aerates like a wine decanter might.
You will not usually finish a whole bottle of whiskey in a night either, so a whiskey decanter will always have a lid or stopper. Something airtight so that the whiskey doesn’t go “flat” sitting in the open air.
Whiskey doesn’t usually require a special glass to be enjoyed properly either. Now if you are drinking very expensive whiskey neat then their are glasses that will enhance your ability to detect nuanced flavors and aromas, but for the most part you don’t need a special glass. So whiskey decanters will often come with glasses that are a matching set.
The Advantages of Using a Whiskey Decanter
Style
Believe it or not there are actually no real advantages to using a whiskey decanter. People enjoy them because they are beautiful display pieces.
Some people will say that a decanter is nice to use if the whiskey comes in a green or brown bottle because it allows you see the color and depth of the whiskey when it is poured into a clear glass decanter but that is aesthetic.
The decanter doesn’t do anything to actually improve the flavor or experience of the whiskey.
True Appreciation / Lack of Advertising
One slight advantage might be for those people who have snobby friends that always remark about the liquor used at a party. Unless someone is familiar with the spirit any whiskey poured into a decanter becomes anonymnous and forces the drinker the decide if they like the whiskey for themsleves instead of being influenced by the price or what they have heard about the spirit.
Mistakes People Make When Picking a Whiskey Decanter
Improper Glass
The potential downsides to using a whiskey decanter would be things like someone not realizing that your decanter needs to be lead-free crystal. If you store whiskey in leaded crystal the lead can actually leach into the whiskey over time.
Improper Seal
You also have to make sure that the lid or stopper is seated properly. If it is not and the whiskey is exposed to the air for an extended period of time it will alter the flavor and color of the spirit in a detrimental way.
Forgetting What’s Inside
If you store whiskey in a decanter for long periods of time you run the risk of forgetting what it is that you actually poured into the decanter. be it the name or the age the decanter will not have any identifying information on it like your bottle would.
Features a Good Whiskey Decanter Needs to Have
Lead-Free Glass
Because your whiskey is likely to be stored in a decanter for long periods of time it is extremely important that it is made from lead-free glass. Traditional leaded crystal is elegant and can be used in glass but not in decanters. Whiskey will not sit in a glass long enough to absorb anything but over time if it is stored in a decanter, the lead can leach out of leaded glass and into your whiskey.
Lid or Stopper
Whiskey does not need to aerate like wine. In fact, if whiskey is left exposed to the air for too long it will go “flat.” Changing the color and taste of the whiskey in an unpleasant way. Any good whiskey decanter doesn’t just need an ordinary lid or stopper. It needs one that is certified airtight. That is the only way to protect your whiskey from the air the same way that keeping it in a bottle would
Matching Set
A whiskey decanter is a display piece so a good whiskey decanter should have matching glasses that go with it. This way the whole experience really comes together to make the drinking more of a formal event.
Proper Size
Once you pour your whiskey into to decanter you don’t want to have to keep the bottle as well. So make sure that you get a decanter that can hold at least 750ml. that is the standard measurement of a bottle of any spirit and if it can hold at least that much then you know you are safe to pour in the whole bottle.
Dishwasher Safe
Your decanter and glasses being dishwasher safe may not be such a big deal if this is something you exclusively pull out for special occasions. But if this is a decanter and set that you plan on using frequently then it may be beneficial to find a set with glasses that you can throw into the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
OUR FAVORITE WHISKEY DECANTERS!
Best Overall
The Nou Living 13 Piece Whiskey Decanter and Glass Set really has it all. It has a classic elegant styling. The decanter is big enough to hold an entire 750ml bottle. It has six glasses to make sure that everybody gets a matching glass to feel like part of the group.
And for those purists in the group it even comes with steel spheres that you can freeze and place in the glass to make sure that you don’t dilute your favorite whiskey, bourbon, or scotch. Doing all of this at a reasonable price that is sure to make anyone a happy customer.
Best Set
The James Scott Italian Crafted Glass Whisky Decanter Set is an amazing 7-piece set including one 1 liter decanter with an airtight stopper, and six 9.5 oz glasses. They are all made from lead-free glass and are 100% dishwasher safe.
Best Personalized Whiskey Decanter
This is the My Personal Memories Personalized Whiskey Decanter Set. It is out pick for a personalized decanter set because they are usually given as gifts, and while the design is beautiful its not so extreme that it plays to strongly to one perticular type of personal.
It is a desing simple enough to please anyone. The decanter is big enough to hold an entire bottle and it comes with 4 glasses but you can order as many glasses as you need to accommodate whatever number the gift requires.
The engravings are free for any number of glasses and the whole thing comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so if you or the reciever doesnt end up liking it then it can be sent back no questions asked.
Best Crystal Decanter
The Miko Crystal Decanter Set comes with a 750ml decanter and six large double old fashioned glasses. They are all made of mouth-blown lead-free crystal but at a shockingly low price. This whole set is also completely dishwasher safe so you get the elegance of fine crystal with the easy cleanup of being able to use a dishwasher.
Best Visual Experience
The Ravenscroft Crystal Taylor Double Old Fashioned Decanter Set is the set you want when you need a decanter that won’t interfere with you being able to see your favorite whiskey, scotch, or bourbon. There are no engravings, no patters ad no twists in the decanter or the glasses.
They are designed to give you the perfect view of your spirit both in the decanter and in the glass. This set is made from premium lead-free crystal for perfect clarity and refractive index. This decanter will complement even the most expensive or complex whiskeys showing the true depth and color of anything that you pour into it.
Best Globe Decanter
The Wine Savant Etched World Globe Decanter is made of hand-blown borosilicate glass. Borosilicate glass is extremely clear but also durable lab-grade glassware. That means that this whole set is dishwasher safe.
The globe decanter and its 4 glasses have the world map etched into them. The decanter also has a glass ship sitting in the middle of it. They are all resting on a beautiful Mahogany display base. This set also comes with a box of whiskey stones to chill your drink without diluting it.
Best Diamond Decanter
The Wine Savant Diamond Whiskey Decanter plays on the rapidly increasing popularity of the diamond whiskey glass while incorporating a diamond decanter and a beautiful mahogany display base to showcase them all.
The decanter and glasses are made of handcrafted lead-free glass. We liked these because they just don’t look like any other whiskey decanter on the market and the mahogany base holds and displays this decanter and its glasses perfectly. Honestly, the base was as much of a selling point as the decanter and glasses themselves.
Best For Scotch
In reality, there is not a specific decanter that is better for scotch than another but if you really love a good scotch than nothing would do it more justice that to be served from the Milburga Premium Antique Pewter Stag Whiskey Decanter. The Highlands Stag has long been associated with Scotland. It appears on many family crests and is a symbol of God’s power, nobility, freedom, and purity.
This set is made from handcrafted lead-free crystal. It features and airtight stopper and 2 12.5 fl oz glasses. Big enough to hold even very large ice balls. These glasses are a bit heavier than your average glass due to the pewter design but there is just something about them that we absolutely loved.
Best For Bourbon
Much like with Scotch there is not one decanter that will be better for bourbon for another. So you have to find the embodiment of the spirit in the decanter and for bourbon that was 5 Star Whiskey Decanter Set.
Bourbon is only made in America and although many spirits are aged in barrels, the bourbon barrel is something that is now used in wines, beers and many more beverages in an attempt to impart their flavor.
This decanter is the embodiment of the bourbon barrel and the American nature of the spirit. It comes with a handmade lead-free crystal decanter with a drip proof pour spout, 4 glasses engraved with “land of the free, home of the brave,” and some stainless steel ice cubes.
Premium Pick
When thinking of premium crystal most people will think of Waterford. This is the Waterford Lismore Diamond Square Crystal Decanter. This is a beautiful new design by Waterford with a square bottle cut in the stunning Lismore diamond pattern. This decanter can hold a full bottle of whiskey but because it is made of true old fashioned leaded crystal it is not recommended that you store your liquor inside of it.
Budget Pick
The Paksh Capitol Glass Decanter is a beautiful decanter at an unbelivably low price. It is made of Italian crafted glass and can hold a full 750ml bottle. It also has an airtight geometrically shaped lid. This decanter is also 100% dishwasher safe. Making it the perfect starter decanter for anyone trying to decide if this is something they’ll enjoy using and having in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do You Put Whiskey in a Decanter?
Unlike wine, whiskey does not have sediment nor does it need to be aerated. The reason people use whiskey decanters is mainly for style but also to showcase the color and depth of a whiskey that was shipped in a green or brown bottle.
How Long Can You Leave Whiskey in a Decanter?
If the decanter has an airtight seal, as all good whiskey decanters should, then the whiskey can be left inside of it indefinitely. If the decanter does not have an airtight seal then whiskey should not be left inside of it for more than the length of the party or event for which it is being used.
Does Putting Whiskey in a Decanter Ruin It?
If a decanter has an airtight seal, then storing whiskey inside of it will not ruin it. It is essentially the same as storing it in its original bottle. If it does not have an airtight seal the decanter is fine to use for short periods but the whiskey should be stored in something airtight.
Will Whiskey Go Bad in a Decanter?
As long as a decanter has an airtight seal then whiskey will never go bad when stored inside of it. If it does not have an airtight seal then longterm storage will make the spirit go bad as it will become over aerated changing its taste and color.
Should You Wash a Whiskey Decanter?
You do not need to wash a whiskey decanter, the alcohol stored inside of it will keep it clean. However, if you are changing the type of whiskey that you put into it, then you should wash it so as not to mix flavors between bottles.
Does a Decanter Make a Difference for Whiskey?
Unlike wine, a whiskey will never have sediment or need to be aerated to fully mature. So a decanter does not make a difference for whiskey. A decanter is used only as a personal stylistic choice.
Can I Store Whiskey in a Crystal Decanter?
If the decanter is made of lead-free crystal than storing whiskey in it for long periods of time is fine. If the decanter is made of leaded crystal then it should never be used to store any liquid. The lead could leach from the crystal into the whiskey over time.
